cluckfest Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 I'm hoping someone can give me some advice as I am a raw beginner. I have ordered my first 4 bantams, and can take them home from 12 weeks old. Is this too young? I have calculated that they won't be at POL until the clocks go back, so I probably won't see my first egg until next year, which isn't critical to me, and they are coming from a reputable breeder. Is there anthing else I need to consider before accepting them? They will be kept in a Cube with a standard run, and supervised free ranging most days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saronne Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Hello, Welcome to the forum! What sort of bantams are they? Of course, If these are the bantams you want, and you're not bothered about eggs coming quickly, then go for it! Sometimes hens can surprise you and start laying even when the days are short (no guarantees, of course!) Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Welcome ..2 of mine I got in January and they were 18 weeks old ,they started laying a couple of weeks later and have hardly stopped since..The other 3 I got a year ago in June and they were the same .So i don't think it is the wrong time , it is what is right for you . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 12 weeks is fine. They will be really cute and still going 'cheep cheep' ! I'd put them on growers pellets tho, not layers as there are a few more goodies in there that they need until they are point of lay..... Enjoy them, don't worry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cluckfest Posted August 7, 2012 Author Share Posted August 7, 2012 Thank you all for the warm welcome and good advice. I feel a lot more confident now! I hadn't thought of growers pellets, so will definitely try that. The girls are a Rhode Island Red (OH's choice), an Araucana, a buff Pekin and a silver laced Wyandotte. Am so excited, and can't wait to get them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beulah59 Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 We had a batch of Welsummers from nine weeks ... it was fine. Enjoy them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Well growers should be fine. As they are going in a cube I would try and set up a big of a step though to help them get up the cube ladder. The other thing is definitely keep them on growers for a couple of months, till they are at least 18 weeks, sometimes they will even benefit from staying on growers longer. Also, don't give them any kind of calcium supplement including oyster shell grit (flint grit will be fine, but not mixed grit) The excess calcium can cause them problems, specifically liver failure. I would keep them on growers till maybe 20 weeks, then switch to growers pellets, pure breeds tend to come into lay after that time anyway, and some will keep their hens on growers till they see the first egg. Other than that growers are quite easy really, they certainly don't need heat by 12 weeks and should get along fine. I would be careful with free ranging though just because a young bantam could easily escape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
